Federal Program for Undocumented Aliens' Medical Care May Not Benefit Ohio Hospitals

Strategic Insights -

Ohio health care providers are expected to receive less than $1 million in reimbursement for the medical treatment of undocumented aliens, despite a federal program set aside $1 billion over four years. The reimbursement is based on estimates of the number of undocumented aliens, which in Ohio equals about 40,000 people. Nancy Fisher Crum, vice president and CFO of MetroHealth Medical Center, is trying to determine the extent of the hospital's involvement and potential reimbursement. However, the complex and time-consuming paperwork to obtain the reimbursement may make it not worth the effort.

Key Takeaways:

  • The federal program for the emergency medical treatment of undocumented aliens has allocated $1 billion over four years.
  • Ohio health care providers are estimated to receive less than $1 million in reimbursement for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005.
  • The reimbursement is based on the estimated number of undocumented aliens, which in Ohio equals about 40,000 people.
  • Nancy Fisher Crum, vice president and CFO of MetroHealth Medical Center, is evaluating the hospital's potential reimbursement for the medical treatment of undocumented aliens.
  • The complex and time-consuming paperwork to obtain the reimbursement may make it not worth the effort for Ohio health care providers.
  • MetroHealth Medical Center's vice president and CFO, Nancy Fisher Crum, expressed skepticism about the program's potential benefits for Ohio hospitals.

Statistics:

  • $1 billion: the total amount allocated for the federal program over four years.
  • $1 million: the estimated reimbursement for Ohio health care providers for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005.
  • 40,000: the estimated number of undocumented aliens in Ohio.
  • 2005: the fiscal year in which the reimbursement is expected to be made.

Sources:

  • "A new federal program that will pay for the emergency medical treatment of undocumented aliens might not pay off for most Ohio hospitals." [Source: Unknown journal or publication, no date mentioned]
  • "The federal government this month set aside $1 billion over four years for the program." [Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, no date mentioned]
  • "Nancy Fisher Crum, vice president and CFO of MetroHealth Medical Center, said she is trying to determine how many undocumented aliens the public hospital treats and the amount of reimbursement it could receive for that care." [Source: Shannon Mortland, no publication mentioned]
  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 45% of those surveyed who had volunteered in the past said they no longer volunteer because they don't have time. [Source: Shannon Mortland, citing U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics]